Hoist National Flag at homes on Independence Day: Deoband tells Muslims

Faizabad (UP): Leading Islamic seminary Darul Uloom Deoband, in a fatwa, has asked Muslims to hoist national flag on their houses and establishments on Independence Day and also appealed to them to celebrate the occasion with great spirit of patriotism.

Ashraf Usmani, spokesperson of the seminary said that "in the struggle for India's freedom, the Ulemas (Islamic religious leaders) of Darul Uloom have played prominent roles".

The call for 'Complete Independence' was "given by Darul Uloom", which later turned into the 'Purna Swaraj' movement, he said.

"From Hussain Ahmad Madani to Maulvi Ahmadulla Shah, there is a long series of those freedom fighters who laid their lives for the Independence of the mother land," Usmani said.

"Darul Uloom has asked Muslims across the country to hoist the national flag on their houses and other establishments on Independence Day and also to celebrate this day with great spirit of patriotism," he said.

Reacting to the appeal, a spiritual leader of the seminary, Maulana Arshad Qasmi said, "We have advised all madrassas across the country specially to hoist the tri-colour and celebrate Independence Day and teach students about Indian freedom struggle and the country's original spirit of unity in diversity."

"This community has always been the target of some communal forces. They always question our patriotism. But making it clear in our madrassas, we always teach love for motherland and patriotism for the country. In the past, we have been celebrating Independence and Republic Days, and we will continue doing it with great spirit of patriotism," said Hafiz Akhlaaq Ahmad Latifi, who runs a madrassa in Ayodhya.